Had x ray on jaw when I last went to Rheumy as she thought it might be TMJ. In meantime pain in side of head got so bad went to GP. She got me an appointment with ENT. Consultant said I shouldn't have been sent to him so now waiting for appointment with Maxillofacial. On stronger painkillers for the time being. Rheumy says not TMJ now but ENT says he thinks it is although it's not his field.

On the 'up' side, I plucked up the courage to speak to my MD last week re my hours. I asked if I could add an hour to Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri and take Weds off unless I am needed to cover him or my dept. He agreed and even suggested he buys me a work laptop so I can access my computer from home so I can still work my 35 hours and won't lose any money! He says he doesn't want work making me worse. I've been there nearly 19 years but was still surprised at his reaction! I feel as if a weight has been lifted and it makes all the difference emotionally. It'll give me a chance to rest midweek which might give me a chance to actually have a life at the weekend!!

You are obviously a valued member of staff. It makes such a difference when someone is understanding and helpful - but you do need to ask. Too many times I have hoped that other people are mind-readers - now I am much better at asking for help.

I think you're right, we do seem to expect people to be mind readers. Trouble is the fatigue side of this disease isn't obvious and we end up flaking out in our own time rather than it really affecting our work!

I have to say it is very encouraging to know that there are still some decent employers who actually value their employees......your certinally are valued and I'm very pleased for you. Anything that relieves stress can only be a good thing. I wish you all the very best.

I forgot to say that I have been seeing a Dental Surgeon for about two years now about my jaw problems. There is a long history of how I got to seeing this man but now that I have I see him every six months for an update. He has confirmed that it is RD that I have on both sides of my jaw but he won't recommend me for a replacement until it is much worse!!!!!!!

On the plus side I have been in a sort of 'remission' recently and so my pain has been greatly reduced. I am on Paracetamol, 500mg twice a day, 7mg of some steroid that I can't remember the name of and the odd Tramadol now and then. My pain is so light these days it is almost non existent.......long may it last. I'm seeing my DS on Thursday and I feel guilty for taking the appointment as it could be used by someone who really needs it but he has insisted on seeing me.......nice man he is too.

sorry to hear about your jaw. I too am suffering there for 19 months. Was referred twice to oral surgery both referrals lost so my dentist tried another hospital and that referral seems to have gone astray too. I've given up. The pain is worse first thing in the morning do sure it's RA related.

I sometimes have problems chewing food, but my main problem is the shooting pains that go up the left hand side of my head. It seems incredible that so many of your referrals have gone astray! I hope you soon get your appointment for your surgery.